The new Mercedes-Benz G 350 d – The entry level boxy SUV is here

The new Mercedes-Benz G 350 d is the most efficient G-Class ever. On the market since this past summer, the G-Class family now receives its entry-level variant, that will be available for order starting January 2019 and will hit showrooms next spring.

The G 500 and the G 63 are now accompanied by the new Mercedes-Benz G 350 d, powered by the 286-horsepower 600-Newton meter OM 656 diesel engine, as anticipated this past spring. The new in-line six-cylinder power unit is already compliant with the future legislation RDE (Real Driving Emissions), being way ahead of its time, as it exceeds the current limitations imposed by the Euro 6d-TEMP standard.

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The ECO mode with gliding function saves even more fuel, as the transmission clutch disengages when the driver takes foot off the accelerator pedal. Thus the SUV simply “glides” based on its current kinetic energy for a certain distance, an even longer one when costing. The simple press of the accelerator simply re-engages the clutch.

The premium car maker guarantees lower noise level and vibrations transmitted inside the cabin, as the engine mounts are actively controlled for the first time. When driving at speeds below 5 km/h, they dampen the transfer of torsional vibrations, that are passed over to the ladder-type frame. They turn stiffer at higher speeds.

The G 350 d is equipped with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter and a special software that provides shorter shift and response times. It also receives a new transfer case, flange-mounted on the transmission unit, designed to deliver 40% of the drive torque to the front axle and 60% to the rear. The diesel variant obviously benefits from the assistance of the permanent all-wheel drive.

The entry-level G promises comfort just like its more demanding siblings. The seats come wrapped in leather, the instrument panel is covered in ARTICO man-made leather and open-pore wood and, optionally, the future driver may request, for the first time, the Exclusive Interior Plus with diamond quilting. The SUV is almost exclusively built by hand, taking the total production time at more than 100 hours, highlighting the exclusivity of the highly customizable model.

The driver may choose one of the five drive modes by switching the DYNAMIC SELECT controller, granting the car with different personalities, as it has impact on the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.

A robust front axle with double-wishbone suspension mounted directly to the ladder-type frame provide it with higher driveablity on the asphalt than its predecessor. At the rear, there is the new rigid axle for further comfort. Off the tarmac though, that is where the G-Class shows its personality. The rear spring jounce of 82 mm and rebound of 142 mm, together with an exhilarating ground clearance of 241 mm have your back in extreme conditions.

The G-Class is being manufactured in Graz. Production for the new model has started in May.

Mercedes-Benz G 350 d – Data sheet: